Bushfire Information

Bushfire Information Update:

Banyule Mayor, Cr Tom Melican has expressed his sympathy for all of those people who have lost loved ones, property and belongings in the bushfire disaster that has devastated Victoria.

Cr Melican has also asked the residents of Banyule to band together and support the people who have been affected by donating money to assist people who have suffered a tremendous loss.

"In the midst of this terrible fire I am appealing to the people of Banyule to open their hearts and pockets to help their fellow Victorians who have been overwhelmed by this fire. The terrible loss of life and property will be felt for some time and anything people can do to help will be greatly appreciated," Cr Melican said.

Donations can be made to:

  • The Victorian Bushfire Fund has been set up through the Red Cross donations can be made by phoning 1800 811 700 on through a secure online function at http://www.redcross.org.au/  or direct deposit to - BSB 082-001, Account number 860-046-797
  • Any NAB, ANZ, Westpac or Commonwealth Bank branch
  • Any Bunnings store
  • The Salavation Army Disaster Relief Fund on 13 72 58 or online at http://www.salvos.org.au/
  • Myer Bushfire Appeal- all proceeds to the Salvation Army. Donate at any Victorian Myer store.

The Emergency Relief Centres have been inundated with goods and we are asking residents not to bring in any more goods at this stage.

Bushfire Information
1800 240 667
Victorian Reconstruction and Recovery Authority (VBRRA)
Full details of activities are available at www.wewillrebuild.vic.gov.au

For up-to-date information on total fire bans, fire restrictions and major fires tune to emergency broadcaster ABC Melbourne 774AM or log on to http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/  

Do you need help recovering from bushfires?

There are a range of support services through the Department of Human Services which offer personal, emotional, psychological and financial help to those affected.

www.dhs.vic.gov.au/home

I have been affected by the bushfires, how do I get in touch with a case manager?

This is an intensive service designed for people with the highest need. The Government recommends those who have lost their homes, direct family members, or both, use the Bushfire Case Management Service.

The case manager will act as the primary contact for the family or individual accessing services.

You can contact the bushfire case management service now on 1800 050 400 to register and your own personal case manager will call you back within 24 hours.

Alternatively, you can register by speaking with staff at recovery centre who will call the line to register those who wish to receive the case management service.

Animal Welfare

Wildlife Rescuers have been heavily involved in ground searches and rescues, particularly in the Whittlesea and surrounding areas.

Information about the bushfires are available at:

http://www.wildliferescuers.org.au/Pages/bushfires.html

http://www.wildlifevictoria.org.au/cms/index.php

Lort Smith Animal Hospital is offering free veterinary treatment for pets affected by the bushfires. Contact 03 9328 3021 (North Melbourne) or 03 9407 2030 (Mill Park) http://www.lortsmith.com/  
University of Melbourne Veterinary Clinic (Werribee) is offering free treatment of pets and horses injured in the bushfires. Contact 03 9731 2232 (24 hours) or www.vch.unimelb.edu.au/
 Project Hope Horse Welfare Victoria is arranging housing and transport, coordinating feed and horse related goods for horse owners 1300 881 606 or www.phhwv.org.au/
 Help for Wildlife has a 24 hour emergency service 0417 380 687 or www.helpforwildlife.com/

Red Cross Information

Red Cross volunteers are supporting those affected by Victoria's bushfires at 18 relief centres across the state.

If you wish to donate blood please contact the Australian Red Cross Blood Bank for an appointment on 131495 or to register on-line http://www.donateblood.com.au/ 

Displaced Residents:

  • List of Victorian Bushfire Emergency Relief Centre locations and contact details www.dse.vic.gov.au
  • List of all Recovery Centre locations and contact details www.dhs.vic.gov.au
  • Help line specifically for counselling and health advice for people recovering from the bushfires
    1300 60 60 24

 Housing / Emergency Accommodation

  • The Department of Human Services is coordinating donations of billeting/housing and emergency accommodation for Victorian bushfire victims. No further offers of single rooms or shared accommodation are needed at this time. Offers of caravans, mobile homes and vacant furnished homes/holiday houses can be donated to the Victorian Bushfire Public Accommodation Donation Line 1800 006 468, 8am - 8pm

 Re-establishing Identity Documents

  •  Priority service for bushfire victims for Victorian registration and licensing 13 11 71 or www.vicroads.vic.gov.au
  • Residents who have lost property or belongings can obtain a temporary Medicare card number from any Medicare office 13 20 11 or www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/

Health issues after a bushfire

Donations

  • Consumer Affairs Victoria has warned of bogus bushfire charities. A list of registered bushfire charities is at www.consumer.vic.gov.au
  • Corporate donations of food can be made to VicRelief Foodbank on 03 9362 8300
  • Clothing and household goods donations can be made at any Salvo's Family Store or Brotherhood of St Laurence Community Store, or a charity in your area.

Building Commission Guide - Returning safely to your property

The Building Commission has prepared a guide to assist people affected by the bushfires to return safely to their property. This guide is available through the links provided below:

The Building and Plumbing Industry Commissions are also providing copies of this booklet directly to bushfire affected councils and will be on-site from Thursday, 19 February 2009 at relief centres and community service hubs with copies or you can contact The Building Commission on their Bushfire Building Advice Line - 1300 360 320 (8am to 8pm M-F).

Building Commission publication: Guide to a Safe Return to Your Property
 Produced this week, it contains a checklist to ensure personal safety upon arrival at a property, and information on issues such as water, electricity, gas, demolition, building and plumbing matters, temporary housing and hazardous materials.

http://www.buildingcommission.com.au/resources/documents/safe_return_booklet-online.pdf

Other Government Publications which may be useful for the Community affected by the bushfires:

DHS publication: Please be safe when returning to your property
Contains information on wearing protective gear to ensure public health and safety when returning to a property after bushfire. This pamphlet is being distributed by DHS at relief centres and community service hubs.

http://www.health.vic.gov.au/environment/downloads/bushfire_besafe_.pdf

DHS publication: Hazards on Your Property After a Bushfire
Contains information on protective clothing, hazardous waste etc.

Can be downloaded in a range of languages from this link: http://www.health.vic.gov.au/environment/emergency_mgmnt/hazards.htm

DHS publication: Water Tanks and Bushfire
Contains information on water tank contaimination and safety after bushfires.

Can be downloaded in a range of languages from this link: http://www.health.vic.gov.au/environment/emergency_mgmnt/water_tanks.htm

DPI publication: Recovery after fire - Pratical steps for landholders
Contains information on assets, livestock, burnt fences, pasture recovery etc.

http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/DPI/nrenfa.nsf/LinkView/F671581417F012EDCA25755C0023BE676B9236D295FDF3E5CA25755C0023ECF5/$file/RecoveryAfterFire.pdf

Schools in Banyule

Click here for list of local schools

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Summer Fire Safety Information

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